Best Rain Pants
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Brand
This is an important feature when searching for the best rain pants. Brands, such as Columbia and Grunden’s, come with a long line of satisfied customers, and they have been making their products for decades with the end user in mind. Grunden’s, for instance, was founded almost a century ago by the son of a fisherman that wanted to make gear that would keep fishermen protected from the harsh elements along the coast of Sweden. It’s brands like this that carry a lot of weight when selecting the best rain pants that are currently on the market.
Also read about best winter pants mens
Materials
To ensure that rain pants keep your legs dry, they must be made out of the right materials. In this instance, utility matters a heck of a lot more than aesthetics. If pants try to look stylish at the cost of keeping legs dry, they are not considered a very good rain pant. The best materials for keeping legs dry consist of nylon and polyester and the best materials are coated with chemicals such as PVC to further prevent water from penetrating through.
Versatility
The best products are versatile, because, with many different uses, you are really getting your money’s worth. A great pair of rain pants can not only keep your legs dry during the rainy warmer months but can also keep the snow from melting into your pants during the cooler months. An important feature to look for when selecting rain pants is the ability to wear them over other pants. Usually, pants that have thicker legs and an elastic waistband can be layered more easily. Pants that have narrow legs and a button top may be cooler to wear in the summer, but they would not be ideal for layering over other pants in the wintertime.
Durability
Let’s be honest, you aren’t in the market for a pair of rain pants because you are planning a tea party. You intend on taking these pants out with you in the rain, mud and, and of course, into the brush for an exciting outdoor adventure. We are going to assume that these pants are going to take a real beating. When selecting the best rain pants, durability was one of the most important things.
Top Ten Rain Pants
1. Columbia Men's Glennaker
It’s no surprise that Columbia is making this list, yet again, with it’s fantastic Glennaker Lake Rain Pant. It doesn’t have the same amount of style and design as the Columbia Storm Surge Pant, but it has every bit of practicality and versatility.
Read moreBrand Recognition
Columbia has been making quality products for outdoor adventurers since 1938 and is dedicated to bringing the best gear and apparel made from the high quality materials. Those who purchase Columbia products become incredibly loyal to this brand, because they know that they are not wasting their time on a product that has the potential to not meet their personal outdoor needs.
Materials and Design
The Glennaker Lake Rain Pant is composed of 100 percent nylon fabric that is 100 percent waterproof. They have a thick elastic waist and a drawstring closure that ensures a great fit every time. These pants are so simple and lightweight that they can be folded up and placed in the back pocket of your jeans after the sun comes out and they aren’t needed anymore. They are also large enough to be able to wear over your pants, but are also versatile and comfortable enough to wear alone.
Price
As with most Columbia products, these pants tend to be a little bit more expensive than some of the others on the market. They are by no means the most expensive rain pants on the market, but they do cost a little bit more than the average unknown pair of rain pants.
Ideal Use
These pants are 100 percent waterproof, which means that you can take them along on any outdoor adventure that calls for heavy rainfall. They are ideal for camping, hiking, climbing, and hunting. In the winter months, they can be worn over your favorite warm cold weather pants to not only keep your legs dry, but keep them warm as well.
Summary
If buying a name brand rain pant is important to you, these pants will fit that description without breaking the bank. They are a little bit more than some of the other pants on this list, but come with and guarantee that can only come from the brand Columbia.
2. Columbia Storm Surge Pant
Columbia is well known for their great quality outdoor products and apparel, so it is no surprise they are making an appearance on this list. The Storm Surge Pant is a great pair of rain pants that will keep your legs comfortable and dry, and they also look incredibly stylish and sleek.
Read moreBrand Recognition
Columbia has been around since 1938, and since then has become quite the household name. Many of you probably have a piece of Columbia gear somewhere in your closet already. They pride themselves on using the highest quality materials and providing products that will not let users down in the middle of a camping trip. Users that have bought Columbia products in the past are very loyal to this brand.
Materials and Design
If style is something that is important to you, these pants have style written all over them. The thick and simple waistband also has a drawstring closure, making for a great fit every time. Often, rain pants are made out of materials that aren’t very breathable, but that is not an instance in this case. The 100 percent polyester materials are coated in a Omni-shield that makes the pants not only waterproof, but incredibly breathable and comfortable.
Price
These pants run a little bit more expensive than some of the other pants making this list. The higher price point is due to the reliability of the Columbia brand, so you know that you are getting a superior product, and the higher-end materials used when making these pants, such as the Omni-shield. These factors make this pant well worth the price.
Ideal Use
These pants are so comfortable and waterproof that they can be worn in the middle of a monsoon and still keep your legs dry. They will be a great addition to all of your hunting, camping, and fishing trips, and are sturdy enough to be thrown into the washing machine and used over and over again.
Summary
For the adventurer that is willing to pay a little bit more for a rain pant that not only keeps legs dry, but also looks incredibly stylish, the Columbia Storm Surge Pant will last you throughout many rainy outdoor adventures.
3. Frogg Toggs
These are a great option for those that are looking for a great pair of rain pants that come from a well known company that has been making rain gear for hunters and hikers for many years. These pants are lightweight and versatile, and they can keep your legs dry and comfortable in even the most rainy conditions.
Read moreBrand Recognition
Frogg Toggs might not exactly be a household name, but it is a well known brand to those that often purchase outdoor gear. Frogg Toggs has been specializing in rainproof gear for over 20 years and has generated a dedicated following of users that love and trust their products.
Materials and Design
Your legs are not going to be getting wet when you wear these pants. They are composed of three layers of polypropylene material that not only offer added protection from the elements, but also promotes tear resistance for when you are deep in the brush. They are available in many different sizes, and they have an elastic waistband and pull string to ensure that you purchase the right size for you. For added protection from the elements, they have a hook and loop ankle closure, and zippered legs to make it easy to take them off and on. They also have two deep pockets that are zippered.
Price
The price of these pants is incredibly affordable. They are not the cheapest rain pants on the market, but they are far from the most expensive. Coming with the guarantee of a brand name, these pants are an excellent deal.
Ideal Use
These pants would be great for camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking on damp and rainy days. The versatile sizing makes it possible to wear these pants over warm winter pants and take them out of cold snowy days for skiing or sledding.
Summary:
If you are looking for a great quality pair of rain pants from a well known and trusted company without breaking the bank, a pair of Frogg Toggs Signature75 HD Pant will be an excellent addition to keep you warm and dry for all of your outdoor adventures.
4. Grunden's Gage Weather Watch
This is another pair of rain pants that are capable to handling anything that you throw at them. They are sleek and stylish, and come with a few additional features that aren’t available in some of the other rain pants making this list.
Read moreBrand Recognition
Grunden’s is another instance where they aren’t exactly a household name, but have established quite a name for themselves in the outdoor apparel world. The got their start in 1911 when a fisherman was looking to make gear that was capable of withstanding the elements. Since then, they have generated a following of loyal customers that know that when they purchase a Grunden’s product that they are receiving the very best in durability, quality, and design.
Materials and Design
These pants are composed of a nylon construction and has taped seams to provide 100 percent guarantee waterproof pants. These rain pants offer more pockets than any of the other pants on this list (they have two zippered pockets on the hips and a deep zippered cargo pocket above the thigh).They have a Velcro cinched ankle to keep water from penetrating at the cuff, and have a thick elastic waistband with the Grundens logo stitched along the side. This pant is available in four stylish and fun colors (glacial blue, hi vis yellow, red, black, and kryptek highlander camo).
Price
The downside about these great rain pants is the price. They are one of the most expensive pairs of rain pants found on this list. However, the superior materials, sharp design, additional features make these well worth the price if you are looking for the highest quality available on the market.
Ideal Use
These rain pants can go wherever the weather is rainy and wet. Originally, their products were designed to withstand treacherous weather conditions on fishing boats off of the coast of Sweden in the early 1900’s, so they will be perfect for all of your camping, hunting, and hiking needs in all sorts of weather. They are also versatile enough to wear over your pants and wear during those cold weather fishing trips.
Summary
If you have the option to spend a little bit of extra money on these pants, and you need something that you know will last you for many extreme outdoor expeditions, then these pants will be well worth the money. Not only are they able to take a beating, they are also incredibly sharp and stylish.
5. Helly Hansen Workwear Mandal
If you are looking for a heavy duty rain pant that is able to take quite a beating, the Helly Hansen Mandal Rain Pant will suit your needs perfectly. They are constructed a little bit differently than some of the other pants on this list, and are made from slightly different materials that were designed to hold up on rough trails or climbs.
Read moreBrand Recognition
Helly Hansen might not exactly be a household name, but they are a highly respected company in the outdoor gear world. They make gear for outdoor recreation as well as for outdoor work, so you know that their products are able to take a beating. Plus, they have been making outdoor gear for a very long time (since 1877). Users know that when they purchase a Helly Hansen product, they they are receiving fantastic quality that will last.
Materials and Design
The design of these pants is simple and sleek. They are available in a deep army green and light yellow. They have a thick elastic waistband with a drawcord that allows for a perfect fit every time. They are composed of 100 percent polyester that is not only waterproof, but it is also mildew resistant.
Price
These pants run about the middle of the road in terms of price. They are not the most expensive pants on the market, and they aren’t even as expensive as Columbia rain pants, but they are not the least expensive pants on the market either.
Ideal Use
Helly Hansen products were designed to take whatever you throw at them. They can be worn alone for rainy hikes, bike rides, hunting, or camping trips. In the cold winter months, they can be worn over your favorite warm pants or jeans to keep your legs dry and comfortable while riding a bike or skiing in the snow.
Summary
If you are hard on pants, these are perfect foryou. They carry the guarantee and the quality that comes from a brand name like Helly Hansen, but they don’t come with the padded price tag of many of the well known companies.
6. Bienzoe Outdoor
The Bienzoe Hiking pants are designed for those concerned about how they look out there on the trails. Unlike many of the other pants on this list, these rain pants have a button and a zipper in exchange for an elastic waistband. They are available in a variety of different colors and will ensure that not only will you stay dry and comfortable out there in the wilderness, but you will also look good.
Read moreBrand Recognition
The brand of Bienzoe is not a very well known company, and they don’t necessarily have a long standing reputation with making outdoor gear like many of the other companies on this list However, they should not be discounted simply because of their name. They have a long following of satisfied customers that know that they make quality products with great materials that come at a lower price point than some of their other competitors.
Materials and Design
Design is the number one appeal when it comes to these rain pants. As stated above, they have a zipper and button waist that offers a better overall look to the pants, but makes them more difficult to layer for cooler climates. They have more pockets than any other pair of rain pants on this list. There was two open pockets on the hips, two open pockets on the rear, and smaller cargo pockets protected by a flap on just above the knees. They are composed of a waterproof polyester, and have zippers at the knees to convert them into shorts during those times when the rain stops and the sun comes out again. They are available in four colors (khaki, black, navy, and grey).
Price
For as many features as these pants have, they are offered at a very reasonable price. They are not the most expensive pants on the market, but they run about in the middle of the road for what the average consumer would be willing to pay for a pair of pants.
Ideal Use
These pants would suit warmer climate better than they would cooler climates. They would be perfect for a rainy hike or for a long camping trip on hot summer days. Even though they are waterproof, they wouldn’t be very warm in the winter and the button waist would make them difficult to layer over another pair of pants.
Summary
For the outdoor adventurer that always has to look good, and can never decide if they want to wear pants or short, these pants are the perfect addition. Keep in mind, though, that if you are looking for a pant that can take you all the way through all of the rainy and wet seasons out of the year that these pants might not suit your colder weather needs.
7. White Sierra Trabagon
For those that are looking for a simple rain pant that will keep them dry in wet and rainy outdoor adventures, this pant is a perfect fit without breaking the bank. It has a sleek and versatile design that is incredibly lightweight and is able to be folded up when the sun eventually comes back out.
Read moreBrand Recognition
White Sierra doesn’t carry the same impact as brands such as Columbia or Gundens, but they have been in the market of making great quality outdoor apparel since they got their start in 1979. Past users of their products have found that they are crafted incredibly well and do everything that one would look for in an affordable piece of outdoor gear.
Materials and Design
These pants are composed of 100 percent polyester material that is with a waterproof Teflon fabric protector. It has a comfort-fit waistband that allows a comfortable fit on any size waist and can be easily folded and packed away for those moments when the clouds break and the sun comes out. There is a zippered pocket on the front hip, and a snap adjustable gusset on the leg. This model is only available in black and come in small to XXL.
Price
These pants run right down the middle of the road in terms of price. They are not the most expensive pants out there (such as the Weather Watch Trouser) but they are by no means the least expensive rain pants available on the market.
Ideal Use
The breathable and lightweight materials make these pants perfect for camping, hiking, hunting or fishing on those rainy warm weather days. If you are in need of a pant to keep you dry and warm throughout the cooler months, these pants are roomy enough to be worn over your favorite warm pants to keep you comfortable on long camping trips in the middle of winter.
Summary
If you are looking for a great pair of rain pants that keep you dry on those rainy day, but you didn’t want to spend top dollar, these pants will be an excellent addition to any of your outdoor adventures.
8. Tenn-Outdoors Driven 5K Waterproof
These are a great pair of rain pants that were designed with bike riders in mind. The are sleek and stylish, comfortable, and come from a moderately new company that is eager to prove themselves in the outdoor apparel market.
Read moreBrand Recognition
In 2007, Tenn-Outdoors was created by 8 cyclists that were looking to make gear for biking that catered to their specific needs. More often than not, some of the best gear has been designed by fellow outdoor adventurers that were looking to solve a problem that was very specific to them. This company has risen through the ranks over the years and has generated a loyal following that is consistently pleased with their quality products.
Materials and Design
What makes these pants unique is not only do they have an elastic waistband that accommodate a variety of waistlines, but it also has belt loops for hydration belts or other outdoor gear that affixes to the belt loops on your pants. They are composed of a waterproof polyesters that has reflective detailing on the sides of the legs. If you don’t care for the reflective details, they are also available without. The mesh liner inside the pants keeps legs comfortable while also keeping them dry.
Price
These pants land on the higher side of the price scale, and are one of the most expensive rain pants to make this list. However, if you are looking for a great quality pair of rain pants, especially if you are a biker, these pants will check off every need that you have.
Ideal use
The waterproof exterior with the mesh lining make these pants perfect to wear on their on during rainy treks out in the wilderness, or riding your bike to work in the rain. Additionally, because of the elastic waistband, these pants can be worn over your favorite wintertime pants to keep your legs warm and dry on those cold winter hunting trips.
Summary
If you have a little bit more extra money to spend and are looking for a product that is made from the best materials with the end user in mind, you can’t go wrong purchasing a Tenn-Outdoors product. It provides the user will all of the things they would want out a quality pair of rain pants, and look incredibly sleek and stylish.
9. SWISSWELL
The SWISSWELL rain pant is an excellent choice for those that just want a simple pair of water resistant pants that also come at an incredibly affordable price point. Unlike some of the other pants on this list, these have a mesh lining that make them more comfortable to wear alone.
Read moreBrand Recognition
SWISSWELL isn’t a very well known company; however past users of their products love how great their products work and how affordable they are. Sometimes going with a company that isn’t as well known can be a benefit, because when they come at a lower price, you have the ability to splurge on other areas of your camping or hunting trips.
Materials and Design
These pants have a simple and straight design, so if you are looking for a rain pant that makes a distinct fashion statement, these aren’t going to be the pants for you. They have an elastic waistband that makes sizing easier and hassle free. The cuffs are tapered, which makes them ideal for keeping out moisture, and they won’t get caught in your bike chain when going for a ride. They have a mesh lining that keeps legs comfortable, and a waterproof exterior that is composed of 100 percent polyester. Additionally, they are offered in black and navy blue.
Price
This is where these pants really shine. Sometimes, when you are looking to save a little bit of money you are more willing to forgo design for utility, and that’s exactly what these pants do. They are one of the least expensive rain pant available on the market, and they still get the job done.
Ideal Use
The structure of these pants make them perfect to wear over your clothes on rainy bike rides to work without getting your work pants wet. They are also great for fishing, hiking, climbing, and camping on warm, rainy days. They are big enough to also wear over your warm winter pants to take out skiing or out on cold weather hunts.
Summary
If cost is the most important thing to you, then these pants are a perfect fit. They aren’t as stylish as the Columbia rain pants, and they don’t have as many zippers and pockets. However, if you just want your legs to be dry during rainy weather, then these are the pants that will suit your outdoor and financial needs.
10. Forever Hi Viz
These rain pants are an excellent choice for everyone due to their versatility, style, design, and price. They can be worn alone, or over your regular pants. The elastic waist makes finding the right size easier, and the wider leg makes it an easy and comfortable fit.
Read moreBrand Recognition
Forever is a generally unknown company that has generated a following of incredibly satisfied customers. Past users love this brand because it offers virtually the same product as some of the more well known brands, but at a fraction of the cost.
Materials and Design
These pants are made from 100 perfect polyester, and are coated with a thin layer of PVC to ensure that they are waterproof. They have an elastic waistband to allow for an easy fit. They also have a wider leg to allow for maximum comfort and agility, even when worn over regular pants. There are two pockets located on the rear with protective storm flaps. The two reflective strips at the calves ensure that you will be seen. They are available in four different colors (black, navy blue, safety yellow, and safety orange).
Price
Price is the most handsome feature about these pants. They cost about half the price of what a consumer would spend on a regular pair of pants. If you are looking to take a chance on an incredibly affordable pair of rain pants, these are an excellent choice.
Ideal Use
The design and function of these pants is best used for outdoor excursions that involve all types of weather conditions. They can be worn alone on warmer rainy days to make sure that your legs remain dry and comfortable, and on those cold and snowy adventures, they can be worn over your favorite pair of warm winter pants to keep your legs warm and dry.
Summary
These are the perfect option for the adventurer that wants a simple and versatile pair of rain pants that is affordable enough to buy one in every color. These rain pants prove that you can keep your legs 100 percent dry and comfortable without having to spend an exorbitant amount of money.